Imagine: How Creativity Works by Jonah Lehrer is an excellent examination of the creative process. I started this book with more than a little hesitancy. As a writer, I felt concerned it would negatively affect my creativity kind of like how seeing how special effects are done tends to ruin a movie for me. Instead, my creativity sparked almost every time I read it. Imagine sparked my creativity to the point that I mentioned it in a blog post, Nudges From the Law of Attraction, while I was still reading it. Lehrer explains how creativity works by studying its effects on real creative people. While he talks about the chemical processes in the brain and the parts of the brain that are directly involved in creative endeavors, he focuses most of his attention on expressions of creativity. The book examines everything from why solitude can help or hurt creativity to why people use drugs to free their creative urges. Imagine goes into the minds of creative people like Bob Dylan and Shakespeare but also talks about building creative atmospheres such as the ones at Pixar Studios and 3M. He explains why talking to people outside our “circles” can spark our creativity while hours spent talking to those within our circles only seem to revolve around the same thoughts. Lehrer makes imagination and creativity accessible to all. Imagine is a book for anyone who is interested in the creative process or even anyone who knows someone interested in the creative process.
A Death in Munich by David Hoof disturbed me to the point of making me squirm but kept me entrenched in the story. Hoof creates a spy novel that investigates the real life suicide Hitler’s niece, Geli Raubal, which may have been a murder. He places the reader inside the mind of the spy investigating the suicide/murder and its links to Hitler. As the spy goes about his business, the reader feels immersed in his hesitation to trust even those who are supposed to be on his side. The reader is so inside the mind of the spy, the reader feels the spy’s desire whether for comfortable shoes, a warm meal, or the desire to bed an attractive woman. Whether the reader believes history’s version of the suicide of Geli Raubal or thinks she was murdered and it was staged as a suicide, the investigation Hoof concocts is a ride that will have the reader second-guessing their belief about Raubal’s death. Novels based on historical events, including A Death in Munich, often leave the reader feeling a little discombobulated as their beliefs are challenged. A Death in Munich instills fear that Hitler is around every corner not only awaiting the spy investigating the suicide of Geli Raubal but also the reader for daring to read this possible alternative history…
Christina Katz’s latest book, The Writer’s Workout, encourages writers to strengthen their skills, increase their endurance, and stretch their limitations as they train for the marathon that is the writing life. Like fitness in life, a writer’s career is only healthy if the writer devotes proper time and attention to developing strength, endurance, and flexibility. Katz provides 366 short essays that inspire, educate, and encourage writers to keep their writing careers in shape no matter where they’re at in their career. Katz pours her years of experience writing and teaching into the pages of The Writer’s Workout. Each essay reminds the writer to nurture his/her career with growth and prosperity in mind. Katz remains consistent with her teachings throughout the book expanding on the teachings as they need to grow in a writer’s career. The Writer’s Workout is a workout every writer needs to do to keep his/her career healthy, productive, and prosperous.
Baby Shark’s Beaumont Blues by Robert Fate pulls the reader into the world P. I. Kristin Van Dijk confronts on a daily basis as she and her partner, Otis Millett, strive to set right the wrongs of the world with their own brand of justice. Never quite vigilantes but never quite angels either, Kristin and Otis confront dangerous criminals and rescue the damsel in distress even as they wonder just how much distress the damsel is actually experiencing. Injuries, love interests, police investigations, and gangsters all attempt to get in the way of Kristin and Otis saving the girl. Even the lawyer who hired them to find her becomes an obstacle to their success as they are distracted by the need to save him. With millions of dollars at stake, the safety of the young but hated heiress is important to a multitude of people. Though the pages are riddled with dead bodies - I lost count at some point - somehow the violence never feels gratuitous. After all, Kristin and Otis have a policy to only kill those who deserve it. Baby Shark’s Beaumont Blues is an exciting read filled characters that make the reader want to know them better. Fate balances Kristin’s stuggle to balance her strength and feminity in a way that captures the reader’s imagination leaving the reader desperate to find out what happens to Kristin Van Dijk next.
I’ve eaten at Vault 244, located at 244 W 1st Ave, several times, and I’ve always been pleased with the experience. Their vegetarian selection is a bit limited but always tastes delicious. The drink menu by itself is interesting enough to draw me back over and over. My last trip to Vault 244, I ordered the handmade vegetarian ravioli, which was simple but delicious. My dinner companion ordered the chicken quesdilla which he liked. I ordered a drink called Fire & Ice which combined a thai chile infused vodka with cucumber juice. It was incredible. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of heat and cool. For dessert we split the flourless chocolate torte which was quite good. I also ordered a hot buttered rum which tasted excellent. It was sweet enough to serve as dessert all by itself. We sat at the bar this time, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching bartenders work; however, I loved being seated by the fireplace on other visits. Vault 244 provides great energy, fabulous drinks, and delicious food, but it is a bit pricey. I thoroughly enjoy the restaurant but with the limited vegetarian options for entrees and the prices, I only eat there occasionally. Still, I’d love to work my way through their drink menu.
Les Caves Bier & Kitchen is located at 308 SW 3rd Street in downtown Corvallis, Oregon. I’ve eaten there three times now. The decor has a homey bar feeling. It made me smileand feel relaxed all three times as I entered. It has a certain elegance while maintaining an inviting, laid back feel. The wait staff is attentive without being intrusive. They are helpful and willing to accommodate guests dietary needs.
My first meal at Les Caves Bier & Kitchen was breakfast. I ordered French Toast served with I. P. A. (India Pale Ale) syrup. It was delicious and perfectly cooked. My husband had the Chicken & Waffles. He enjoyed his breakfast as well. I tasted his waffle and found it very tasty. Even the coffee, River Mudd by Pacifica Organic Coffee, was quite good.
My second meal at Les Caves was brunch. I ordered the Orchard Waffle, scrambled eggs, and a drink called the French Toasted. The delicious and perfectly cooked waffle was served with cooked apples. The scrambled eggs were nothing special, but were cooked well. The French Toasted consisted of Stoli Vanilla Vodka, coffee, maple whipped cream, and a dusting of cinnamon. While I normally don’t like to have alcohol with brunch, this drink was worth breaking my rule. My husband ate the hot pastrami sandwich. He cleaned his plate without a complaint.
My third meal at Les Caves was dinner on Valentine’s Day. They were running a Valentine’s special. Order three courses, and get dessert free from their Valentine’s Day menu. We split a bier bread pretzel that was quite delicious. It was served with a beer cheese sauce and spicy mustard. The beer cheese was was good, and my husband enjoyed the mustard. I’m not a mustard fan, so I didn’t try it. We both had the mushroom tartlet as first course. It was quite tasty. The crust was puffed pastry. The mushroom filling was cooked nicely and tasted good. The arugula salad was simple but not particularly outstanding; however, neither of us finished it. I wish I had ordered the dressing on the side as I usually do. The dressing was a little overwhelming for my personal taste, but my husband seemed okay with it. I ordered the handrolled gnocchi served in a browned butter sauce for my entree. It was supposed to be served with beets and blue cheese, but I don’t like either so I requested a change. They left out the beets but substituted parmesan cheese for the blue cheese. The gnocchi was well prepared and tasted good but was a little much without a vegetable or something to break the monotony. I think the gnocchi with mushrooms from the regular menu would’ve been much better. Perhaps those who like beets even liked this version. My husband’s entree, Roasted Afton Farms Breast of Chicken was a little dry. He described the creamed leeks as having a slimy texture at first. He also thought the entree included too many potatoes. For the dessert course, I ordered the Warm Triple Chocolate Brownie served with blood orange ice cream and toffee topping. My husband ordered the Belgian Chocolate Torte served with poached cherries. The brownie was a little dry and had so many nuts cutting it was difficult. The ice cream was quite tasty and toffee topping was good. The torte was a dark, bitter chocolate that tasted good, but my husband thought the cherries were pickled instead of poached after tasting them. Overall, the dining experience was good but not great.
The atmosphere and the staff at Les Caves create a very enjoyable dining experience. The food is good but could be better. I applaud them for using local produce and products as much as possible to create a dining experience that is healthy, environmentally friendly, and varied. The menu could be a little friendlier to the vegetarian diner, but overall I like the idea of this restaurant. Les Caves is definitely worth giving a try. I particularly enjoy their breakfast, and I want to give their dinner a second try.
Robert Crais kidnaps the reader once again in The Sentry, but the reader doesn’t wish to be rescued, well unless Joe Pike and Elvis Cole are the rescuers. The reader feels like they are protected from the injustices of the world while visiting with old friends, Joe Pike and Elvis Cole, in this adventure filled with twists and turns. Crais lets the reader see just enough of Pike to want more but not enough to solve the mystery of Pike. The mystery of Pike and the humor of Cole are much of what keep me coming back for more from Crais with each book. In The Sentry, Pike’s integrity won’t allow him to turn his back on a woman he perceives in need of saving. Once in motion, Pike can’t be stopped. His sense of right and wrong drives him to find the truth, save the girl, solve the crime, and make things right even if it puts him in danger in ways that go beyond the physical. Crais deftly balances Pike’s stoicism with Cole’s humor while letting the reader get to know Pike a little better and yet, Pike remains a mystery. As usual, Crais delivers a story so engrossing when it ends the reader only has one question. When do I get more of Joe Pike and Elvis Cole?
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a gripping story filled with both the sadness and the joy of life. Hope and regret thread through the pages gripping the reader in a heartrending but mesmerizing journey. Filled with characters struggling to choose right over wrong as well as those who are selfish and greedy, the reader will alternately lament their choices, feel their pain, sympathize with their struggles, and cheer their successes. Animal lovers beware there are some fairly graphic depictions of the way circus animals have been treated over the years. Gruen’s unapologetic descriptions of circus life for all involved, the workers, the performers, and the animals strips away the romanticized idea that running away with the circus could ever be the answers to one’s troubles in life. All the while, Water for Elephants also grounds us in the reality of aging and reminds us that perhaps we should listen a little and “do” a little less. Gruen’s writing immerses the reader in a world so real the reader feels compelled to remind one’s self it’s fiction.
A friend and I had lunch at Spice & Ice Asian Grill~Gelato located at 215 SW 3rd Street in Corvallis, the recently opened second location for this restaurant on Saturday. This casual, Asian fusion restaurant shows a lot of promise! The murals on the wall were fun and created a feeling of relaxed cheerfulness. The staff is still finding their way but handled things well. The appetizers and entrees were served a little closer together than I would’ve liked. The staff was attentive to the needs of the customers. My friend and I split an order of salad rolls and an order of spring rolls. Both were delicious. I would return just for these two menu items. The salad rolls were cold and soothing. I think they’d be great on a hot afternoon when one is just looking for a light snack. The peanut sauce served with them complements them very nicely. The spring rolls were fried delightfully crisp and the vegetables inside the perfect texture to offset the crispiness. They were tasty with the chili sauce served with them, but just as good dipped in the peanut sauce served with the salad rolls. I wish I’d dipped a salad roll in the chili sauce to see how well that would work together… Oh, well, next time. We both ordered the mandarin tempeh. It was served with white rice. I enjoyed this dish. The portions were generous. I ordered the small size and brought home close to half of it. My friend also liked the entree. My Thai iced coffee tasted fine. We split the fried banana gelato, vanilla gelato topped with deep-fried wonton wrapped bananas.. It came without sauce though we were told a caramel sauce is usually served with it, but that there’s been a snafu with ordering. It tasted good, but the texture needed a little contrast element, and I thought a sprinkle of fresh basil or mint over the top would’ve complemented it nicely. It was also quite sweet. This is a large dessert. Order to share! Overall, it’s a restaurant worth giving a try, especially if you enjoy Asian fusion food.
Slash and Burn by Matt Hilton is an action packed thriller that takes the reader from Florida to Kentucky to Texas and back to Florida. Slash and Burn is filled with action and violence. Hilton creates a main character, Joe Hunter, whose sense of justice may not always fit inside the law but is based on his own code of right and wrong. The pages are littered with dead bodies as Hunter strives to save two sisters from criminals. Sibling love, friendship, and loyalty are all tested and reaffirmed in Slash and Burn. Driven by greed, Robert Huffman will do anything to protect his criminal empire including murder anyone who dares try to expose him or stand in his way. Though he uses the resources at his disposal, he’s willing to get his hands dirty, enjoys it, in fact. Though there are moments in the story that seem a bit incredulous, the story is compelling enough for the reader to overlook them. Hilton’s detailed fight scenes paint a picture that will make the reader feel as if they’ve been dropped in the middle of the action feeling the heat of the blaze burning, the impact of a punch, the slice of a knife, and the bullet tearing through skin and flesh.
How to Get What You Want Without Having to Ask by Richard Templar is a simple examination of the techniques to get people give you what you want. I didn’t learn anything new from this book, but that’s probably not a fair way to judge the book. I tend to usually get what I want anyway. The techniques described are simple and easy to understand even if a few do seem to contradict others. He sometimes points this out and explains why there are two approaches listed. It may serve someone who struggles to get what they want with some simple techniques to make their desires known. Even though Templar stressses that manipulation isn’t the way to get what you want, some of the techniques described certainly border on manipulation. Others though are simply about learning to express one’s wants in a more effective way. How to Get What You Want Without Having to Ask is well written with a bit of humor thrown in from time to time.
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff discusses yoga’s effect on the body and the body’s effect on yoga. Kaminoff starts by explaining the dynamics of breathing and of yoga breath. This section alone is worth the cost of the book! I noticed an immediate improvement in my breathing during yoga poses and therefore an improvement in the poses after reading the section on breathing. Yoga Anatomy then goes on to show yoga poses from an anatomical view highlighting the parts of the body that should be working and/or that are affected by the pose. The yoga name and a translation for each pose is provided. Each pose is classified and given a level. The joints that are active, the work the body is doing, the muscles being lengthened, the obstacles for each pose, notes to help with the pose, and breathing are all discussed in relationship to each pose. There are moments when the descriptions for the poses have so much in common, the reader feels a sense of de ja vu while reading. I even felt like there were times when I wasn’t actually internalizing what I was reading until I was moving into a pose the next day or even a few days later and would suddenly remember reading about the pose and realize why the pose hadn’t been working for me and how to correct my stance, my breathing, or my focus. Yoga Anatomy is easy to read and understand, but a reader should be prepared to take some time, especially if the goal is to use the book to improve one’s yoga practice. I read it a little at a time over several months in order to internalize what I read about each pose. Yoga Anatomy is a great book for anyone interested in practicing yoga or for anyone who practices yoga but struggles from time to time with a pose or yoga breath. Yoga Anatomy has earned a permanent place on my bookshelf as a reference book! After all, it’s already proven beneficial to my yoga practice.
Anthony Doerr takes the reader into the complex role memory places in life in Memory Wall, his latest book of short stories. In stories that capture the reader’s imagination, Doerr also makes the reader feel grateful for the memories of one’s own life. In sharing the memories of his characters, Doerr examines the role memories play in making us who we are. All the stories examine the importance of memory to the characters and show the extremes to which people will go to hold on to the memories that make them recognize who they are when they look in the mirror. Doerr creates characters the reader will want to know more about even if they aren’t always necessarily likeable. Memory Wall is a collection of short stories, the reader will savor from the first word of the first story to the last word of the last story.
Stacey Rourke’s intriguing debut young adult (YA) novel, The Conduit, introduces readers to the Garrett siblings, Celeste, Kendall, and Gabe, who have been chosen to save the world from a mystical creature called Barnabus who is in a fight with another mystical creature called the Gryphon. Rourke uses humor to demonstrate the reluctance of her characters, especially Celest, to embrace being superheroes. The bond between siblings and, in turn, their bond with their feisty Grandmother keep the reader smiling even during the intense scenes that make the reader feel like striking out at the demons to help the siblings. As the siblings learn about their powers including where they came from and how to control them, they struggle with how their new powers and responsibilities will affect their lives. Their guide, Alaina, imparts the history behind their powers and responsibilities as well as how to use their powers. They alternately listen to her and rebel against her just as teens are prone to doing. Rourke develops an interesting cast of characters in an engaging story that will leave the reader wanting more! The good news is, there is more of the Garrett siblings’ adventures on the way!
D. R. T.: Dead Right There is Ray Ellis’s intriguing second book in the Nate Richards series. Ellis once again grabs hold of the reader and won’t let go in this intense book. A serial killer is targeting registered sex offenders in the Treasure Valley. Richards and his partner, Mac, must stop him before he completes his list. Ellis takes the reader into the killer’s mindset where he believes God is directing him to take out the registered sex offenders. Ellis draws from his own experience as a detective to illustrate the difficulties of life in law enforcement. Richards and Mac miss Thanksgiving dinner with their families because they’re called out to a crime scene. Richards love life becomes complicated when he finally decides to start dating again, and Amber, the woman he professed his love to just before she left town, returns. Richards again feels his faith being tested in both his professional life and his personal life. Ellis gives the reader enough insight into the murderer to remind the reader that there is a human being who was once hurt himself somewhere inside the monster committing the crimes. With characters who are multilayered rather than caricatures of good and evil, D. R. T.: Dead Right There exposes the raw truth that even the most righteous have sinned and that it is human nature to see one sin, especially someone else’s, as worse than others.
Miranda Phillips Walker introduces FBI Agent Megan McKenna in The Well Meaning Killer. Walker draws a parallel between McKenna’s background and a serial killer’s background that is eerie while still portraying that people with similar backgrounds can have very different responses to those events. As McKenna hunts a serial killer who puts his victims in wells, her physical, emotional, and mental strength are challenged. Her tough exterior hides her vulnerability. Walker delves into the killer’s psyche including what created the monster he has become. Walker interweaves a love story that borders on becoming a love triangle into the storyline that leaves the reader unsure where their loyalties lie. She creates characters that the reader wants to know better and characters that will make the reader squirm while reading. There are moments when the reader will be torn between feeling sympathy for the abused little boy and wishing for the death of the monster he becomes. Though at moments the reader will feel frustrated by the decisions of the characters involved and may question the actions of those characters, Walker keeps the reader engaged and longing for justice to be served. The Well Meaning Killer entertains while delving into the cruelty and greed that drive people to criminal activity while exposing the vulnerabilities of their victims. Walker creates a character in McKenna that makes readers anxious for the next book.
Big River, located at 101 NW Jackson Street, provides an atmosphere that is at once casual and elegant lending itself to a nice dinner out or a quick bite just as easily. I’ve eaten there several times and the food has never disappointed. For my latest dining experience at Big River, I ate the cavatelli along with a salad while my husband ate the River Salad. My salad was, well, a salad. It was fresh enough, but nothing particulary exciting. The cavatelli was so delicious, I ate every last morsel! The corn included in the dish gave it a nice surprise and really completed the dish, and this from someone who doesn’t particularly like corn. My husband enjoyed his salad as well. For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate Tier and a cappuccino and my husband ordered the Tiramisu. The Chocolate Tier was fabulous and the cappuccino a nice accompaniment to its sweetness. My husband liked the Tiramisu. Both desserts were so big, we got boxes and brought them home to have after dinner the next night! Our server was excellent! He was very accommodating about moving us inside when the temperature dropped even though we’d requested to eat on the patio. It was a delightful dining experience as is typical of Big River! One thing to keep in mind, Big River is a restaurant to go to for special occasions as it can be rather spendy!
In 21 Ways to Promote Your Book on Twitter, Cherie Burbach introduces the readers to the importance of Twitter in a book marketing campaign. She explains how Twitter works, debunks some common negative perceptions of Twitter and outlines some of Twitter’s best practices. In discussing incorporating Twitter into one’s marketing campaign, she alleviates fear that Twitter will be too time consuming by explaining how Twitter can be useful in only twenty minutes a day. Throughout 21 Ways to Promote Your Book on Twitter, Burbach gives concrete and short examples of authors, includinng herself, using Twitter to promote their books and other work. Burbach’s tips for using Twitter to promote one’s book are easy to understand and easy to follow. She also includes a list of resources to help the author make Twitter work better for them. 21 Ways to Promote Your Book on Twitter is conversational in tone and a quick read filled with information to make one think about the best way to incorporate Burbach’s ideas or use them as a launching pad for one’s own ideas for promoting one’s book.
Sharpshooter by David L. Hoof brought one word to mind repeatedly as I read it: unflinching. The characters were bold, brash, and at times almost too real. The setting was harsh and cold yet beautiful. The story was unapologetic in its examination of human behavior and attitudes. And, all this lead me back to the word unflinching. Hoof’s characters’ words were often far from politically correct and often made this reader flinch or squirm in her seat yet it depicted the characters’ attitudes without question. The characters in the book are deeply flawed but likeable on some level. As the investigation into the murder of Jeb Holloway, political candidate, evolves, the reader is left to wonder if they really care who killed him even as curiosity drives them to find out. When two seemingly less important citizens are killed, the reader must wonder why their deaths are more disturbing than that of the politician’s. The reader will also be torn between wanting the rekindled romance between the Red, the deputy, and Molly, the reporter, to work and to disintegrate even while wanting to know more about it. While, at times, the characters in Sharpshooter seem almost like caricatures even to one another, at other times, they seem like old friends the reader wishes to invite over for a nice leisurely dinner. Sharpshooter’s unflinching examination of the prejudices people hold in their hearts, the wrongs remembered for generations, and the ambivalence that permeates people’s daily lives grabs the reader and won’t let go in an intriguing and layered murder mystery.
Shrink Rap: Three Psychiatrists Explain Their Work by Dinah Miller, M.D., Annette Hanson, M. D., and Steven Roy Daviss, M. D. explain the way psychiatrists perform their jobs. They give detailed explanations of the process and example of possible scenarios to illustrate the various aspects of psychiatry. Written for the layman to understand the process, the book still calls for the reader to pay close attention in order to internalize all the nuances included. While the psychiatrists don’t always agree, they reflect the myriad differences throughout the psychiatric community. They discuss talk therapy, medicinal treatment, hospitalization, outpatient care, and treatment within the legal system in enough depth to demystify psychiatry for most readers. Still, the book does require a certain level of knowledge to fully assimilate the material. Shrink Rap is a book the reader should plan to spend some time reading and studying. It is filled with a lot of useful information. Shrink Rap will make a terrific reference book for anyone who needs mental health care or knows someone who needs mental health as it seeks to remove the stigma often attached to mental illness that keeps people from seeking the care they need. The authors provide a well-written, well-informed, and interesting look at the mental health care system in Shrink Rap.
Robert W. Walker introduces Dr. Jessica Coran, pathologist, to readers in Killer Instinct, the first in his Instinct Thrillers. Dr. Coran is an easy to like character who is intelligent and ambitious. While at times, the reader will want to smack her for decisions she makes, she always justifies her decisions, at least to herself. She is strong, quick witted, and intense while remaining feminine. Walker exposes a vampire story that isn’t a vampire story in the usual sense. He introduces us to a character who is vampiristic in thought and behavior but all too human complete with frailties. Killer Instinct is populated with characters who will draw the reader in, upset the reader, and confuse the reader all the time keeping the reader fully engaged. As the investigation progresses into a series of murders resulting from blood being slowly drained from the victims and the crime scenes providing little to go on, the skills of Dr. Coran and FBI agent, Otto Boutine, who is dealing with personal issues and the growing attraction between him and Dr. Coran, uncover overlooked evidence, hidden evidence, and previously unnoticed links between other unsolved murders. They, along with a team at the FBI, seek the killer with an almost obsessive need. Killer Instinct never lacks intensity or the details to keep the reader reading. Walker leaves the reader wanting to spend more time with Dr. Jessica Coran.
Some of you may remember that I’ve reviewed Tidal Raves , located at 279 NW Highway 101, before, but sometimes a restaurant earns a second review…
Last Friday after a long walk on the beach - a walk that felt more like a hike, on the Oregon coast, we decided to eat dinner at Tidal Raves, one of our favorite restaurants, before driving home. We called and got put on the walk-in list as we neared the end of our walk, but we missed the estimated time by about ten or fifteen minutes. The hostess was very nice and put us back in the queue but not at the very end. The place was crowded as usual. The views of the cliffs and the ocean were as spectacular as always. The food was delicious and beautifully served. My Vegetable Stir Fry was so filling I couldn’t finish it, so my husband did. My husband really enjoyed his Green Curry Halibut. My Spicy Margarita was a nice change of pace of a regular margarita but I don’t know if I would order it again. My husband ordered a Rouge Dead Guy’s Ale and said it was good. The Chocolate Caramel-Nut Truffle we shared for dessert was divine. The menu describes it as ”sinfully decadent” - believe it. Sevice on the other hand was lacking. Our waiter didn’t smile as he approached our table. He took our order in quick businesslike fashion without ever giving off the slightest of a friendly vibe. We watched other tables receive baskets of bread as we sipped our drinks and waited on our entrees. Our waiter never showed with ours. We finally asked for one when he brought our entrees. He returned to the table while we ate our entrees and inquired how my husband’s meal was but didn’t ask about mine. He never smiled and his attitude left us feeling like he didn’t want to serve us. This is the first time I’ve had bad service in Tidal Raves. I hope it was simply a bad night for our waiter and not an indication service is on the decline.
Yoga Zone Yoga for a Strong and Healthy Back contains two programs that could easily be done one right after the other for a longer workout. The instructions are calm, clear and understandable, but the instructors keep talking directly to the other person on the DVD. I found this distracting. I prefer DVDs where the instructor talks directly to the person watching the DVD, the audience, per se. The instructors demonstate and illustrate the poses very well making it easy to follow along. The workouts themselves are appropriate for beginners and perhaps those progressing from beginner level to intermediate. I consider myself intermediate and find the workouts a little too easy. The DVD is excellent for its purpose, focusing on the back. It lengthens, relaxes, and stengthens the back muscles.
Yoga for Stress Relief is a DVD of yoga routines designed to address particular symptoms related to stress. The DVD is divided into four sections: Beginning & Ending Your Day, Neck, Shoulder, & Back Issues, Easing Your Mind, and Stomach & Digestion Issues. Many of the routines are geared to specific stress related symptoms like tension headaches, insomnia, neck pain, back pain and breathing. There’s even one called “Mood Uplift” for when you just feel a little less than enthused. In all, there are twenty routines of varying intensity and length leaving one little to no excuse for skipping a workout. The length of each routine is clearly noted on the menu, so one knows exactly how long the routine will take. The poses in all the routines are clearly demonstrated and described in a calm, soothing voice. Some props are required to do the poses correctly. The routines contain many of the same elements combined in different sequences allowing the body and the mind to find familiarity and newness in each routine. The DVD is great for beginners and intermediate levels but likely wouldn’t be enough challenge for someone who is advanced in practicing yoga. This is a yoga DVD one can turn to repeatedly to deal with the stress of daily life. I know I do.
Golf Girl’s Little Tartan Book by Patricia Hannigan has me gushing over it. I don’t usually gush over books, but you’ll have to indulge me this one. Patricia’s short, well-written book addresses all those silly concerns women tend to give themselves over the game of golf with a great sense of humor and gentle reassures that it’s perfectly fine to be the woman you are when on the course. I couldn’t believe how many times I caught myself going “Oh, darn, I do that.” or “Shoot, I worry about that.” I laughed out loud through the entire “Squeeze and Swing” chapter. Best advice ever for women golfers!! The book inspired me to finally get up the courage to go play the local par 3 course, and I kept remembering that chapter all day!! Fabulous little book for all women golfers if for no other reason than Hannigan encourages and reminds us that it’s okay to just play for fun and to stop worrying about all the nonsense. I love the way she incorporates anecdotes with the tips and inserts tips into the anecdotes. This book is a keeper. I will refer to it again and again for tips, encouragement, and that little reminder that it’s all about having fun!!
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is a spiritual memoir. While at times engaging and interesting, it also tends to be whiny and annoying at times. It is always well written though. If one can get past the first half to two-thirds of the book, the end does pick up a bit. The descriptions of place, food, and moments in time are enticing. Gilbert’s honesty about her struggles with meditation and silence will resonate with many readers. Her struggles with indulgences and her vows to herself are honest and raw almost to the point of leaving the reader feeling like a voyeuer.
The Greek Corner Restaurant, located at 1600 N. Orange Avenue, has casual outdoor seating as well as indoor seating. We chose to eat outside even though it started to rain as we arrived. Luckily, there were seats under the canopy. I ordered the pita pizza with mushroom and onion as the other vegetarian options looked like they’d been too much food. I wasn’t very hungry. The pizza had some hits and misses. It was a little heavy on the onions, and the mushrooms tasted like canned mushrooms. The sauce was delicious, the feta chees was abundant, and the crust was nicely crisped . My husband had a Grilled Designer Chicken sandwish which he described at good but not great. We split a dessert, Galaktoboureko. We found it a little plain, but the pastry added a nice texture to the custard. Our waiter was efficient but not exactly friendly but not really unfriendly either. Apparently, we arrived as they were preparing to close, which surprised us as it was quite early; however, we heard another waiter tell another table that that area of town is usually pretty quiet on Sunday evenings. Whether this affected our service or not, I don’t know. While the food was good, I’m not sure if I would eat at The Greek Corner again.
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, located at 101 North Kentucky Avenue (they scored a half point with this Kentucky girl just based on their choice of address), gives off a combination homey and hometown bar vibe. The decor has a musical influence that definitely speaks to jazz. From the moment we arrived, the staff strove to make sure we were comfortable and taken care of. They inquired as to what we needed and when. When I told the waitress we were waiting on friends, she actually smiled and asked if we needed anything while we waited. Her smiling attitude lasted through our very long lunch. By the time we left, it was practically time to order dinner!! When I asked if I could have the Pasta Chicken Louisianne sans the chicken, she smiled and said “of course” without missing a beat! My pasta tasted excellent and was very filling. I couldn’t finish it, especially since I’d already picked out the dessert I wanted. I also ordered a Harry’s Hurricane which was tasty and very fruity. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his fish dish. Our friends very much enjoyed their dishes as well and told us time and again Harry’s is one of their favorite restaurants. My husband and I split Lulu’s Mud Pie for dessert. It was very large, definitely a dessert to split with someone else, perhaps more than one someone else. It is layered with texture and flavor giving each bite both uniqueness and familiarity. Throughout the afternoon, the wait staff checked back with us to see if we needed anything and even volunteered to take photos of our group so everyone could be in the shot. We ordered another round of drinks later in the afternoon. I had to try the Mudtini. It was a nice chocolate martini though I think my recipe might be a tad bit better. They made our visit with not-often-seen friends as delightful and comfortable as sitting in one’s own kitchen. All in all, Harry’s provided a delightful, inviting, welcoming, invigorating atmosphere. I would definitely eat at Harry’s again.
Ethos Vegan Kitchen, 1235 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 101, concentrates on serving healthy and filling vegan cuisine. Patrons order at the counter before finding seating in a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. There’s a bit of a cafe vibe.While waiting on the food to be served, we enjoyed looking at the nice selection of artwork on the walls. The staff answered questions and showed patience as we perused the menu taking our time to decide what to order. My “What’s the Dilly, Philly?” sandwich tasted really good and filled me up quickly. They readily accommodated my request for no veganaise. I accompanied my meal with a glass of organic white wine, Xarello, that was also delicious. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the Coconut Curry Wrap and a beer, Peak. We left the restaurant full and happy even though neither of us is vegan. I’m a vegetarian, and my husband is a meat eater. Our only complaint with this restaurant was when we returned on Sunday night for another dinner, they were closed.
Coconuts on the Beach, located at 2 Minutemen Causeway, has one thing going for it. It is on the beach and view of the water is spectacular. Service was among the worst I’ve ever seen. Our waitress seemed angry and defensive. When I inquired about getting a pasta dish without chicken because the menu was sadly lacking in anything for the vegetarian, she couldn’t hide her irritation as she told me they didn’t serve that for lunch. Okay, perhaps, I should’ve looked at the menu more closely, but she could’ve at least been polite about it. When my husband couldn’t find our waitress and called over another waitress to send back his undercooked tuna, she came to the table and started arguing that he got what he ordered. I couldn’t believe it. My husband later joked that if she thought her cleavage display was going to make up for bad service and earn her a good tip, she was sadly mistaken. We felt like our presence was an inconvenience to the waitress and therefore the restaurant. My salad was mediocre at best and drenched in dressing. It reminded me why I started ordering my dressing on the side or my salad without dressing years ago. My mango daquiri reminded me of baby aspirin dissolved in water. I can’t imagine returning to Coconuts on the Beach unless I had no other option whatsoever.
Le Rouge, located at 7730 West Sand Lake Road, is a wine and tapas bar. We took seats outdoors to enjoy the Florida night air. Our table ordered espresso, cappachino, and hot tea. The coffee was fine but not outstanding. Hot tea is well hot tea. The outdoor seating provides a nice, comfortable atmosphere conducive to chatting and relaxing together even though it overlooks the parking lot. We were entertained by the occasional sounds of singing coming from indoors. I’m guessing karoake. Service was efficient and our server made it known she was available if we needed anything but didn’t interfere with our conversation.